“Hey, Gran,” I greet her, wrapping my arms around her. There are days the only things that keep me going are this woman’s hugs. I might not have lucked out in the mom department, but I sure did in the grandma one. The best thing my mom ever did for me was let me go withhermom that day. I know it breaks Gran’s heart to see how her daughter lives, but I hope I’ve eased some of that pain.
She squeezes me surprisingly tight for an eighty-year-old woman. “Jessie girl, good to see you.”
“I brought you some things from the farmers’ market.” She peers into the bag as I admire the window boxes. These are new but built exactly like the old ones.
My phone vibrates. I pull it out of my back pocket.
Daryl
Heard some interesting news about you today.
Shit.
I lock it and return it to my pocket in one swift motion. He knows. He knows Trey is living with me. I can’t spiral about this now—not in front of Gran. I clear my throat before asking, “Gran, did you buy new window boxes?”
“Oh no, dear. Trey built those for me. He saw the old ones in the shed and offered to make me new ones. He’s a sweet young man.”
“My Trey?” I gape at her.
She cocks an eyebrow. “Oh, so he’s your Trey now?”
“Oh. Uh. No, I just mean my roommate, Trey? Built you new window boxes?”
“Yes, dear. He’s come over a few times. Fixed several things around the house. I figured you knew.” She stands and heads into the house.
No. No, I did not know. Who the fuck does he think he is? He can’t just come to my gran’s and . . . and . . . help her.Ugh.
I hear the screen door slam behind Gran. “Come on, you can be mad in the house,” she hollers.
I narrow my eyes, but follow her in, mumbling, “I never said I was mad.”
“Ha, you didn’t have to. Your red face and balled fists gave you away. Why on earth are you upset?” She sets the bag on the kitchen counter and starts removing its contents.
Why am I mad? Because he came over here on his own to help her? No, it has to be something else, because that reason just makes me feel like an asshole.
“Because . . . because . . . he’s just infuriating, okay? He keeps getting into my business, and now he’s coming over here, too.” I sound flustered because I am.See if I get him any more cherry tomatoes . . .
Gran lets out an incredulous laugh. “So, youlikehim. Got it.”
“I did not say that,” I all but shout.
“He is a very attractive young man. But then again, you’ve always had good taste in men as far as looks go. Personality-wise, not so much, but I like this one. He’s smart, good with his hands—that’s important in a man. Quick as a whip, too. He can keep up with you.”
“Oh my gosh, do not talk about his hands like that. And there is no keeping up with me. There is no Trey and me.”
“He told me he’s been fixing a few things around your place. I think that’s wonderful. You need some help around there. You work too much and could use some support. Not to mention something nice to look at around the house, if you know what I mean.”
“Enough with the sexual innuendos.” I curl my lip.
“He looks strong, if he feels up to it, I might have him move some furniture. Freshen the place up.” She opens the fridge and pulls out a pitcher of iced tea. “While I can’t say bull riding is the best career choice, he does seem proficient.” She retrieves two glasses out of the cabinet.
I drop my head into my hands, groaning. She’s completely sold on Trey and completely ignoring me. “Fucking window boxes,” I grumble.
“What was that, dear?”
Sure,nowshe can hear me.
“Nothing,” I exhale. “Don’t get used to him being around. He’s hurt, but once he can ride again, he’ll be long gone. That’s how these rodeo guys work.”
